C’River ‘ll become largest cocoa producer in Nigeria soon – CFAN President – Newstrends
Connect with us

Business

C’River ‘ll become largest cocoa producer in Nigeria soon – CFAN President

Published

11 months ago

on

cocoa

C’River ‘ll become largest cocoa producer in Nigeria soon – CFAN President

NATIONAL President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Mr Adeola Adegoke, has said that Cross River will soon become the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria.

Adegoke stated this at the inauguration of the Executive Committee of CFAN in Cross River’s, on Friday in Calabar.

According to him, Ondo State is presently known to be the largest producer of the crop in the country.

He said that the average age of a cocoa farmer in the state was between 55 and 60, describing this as an ageing population.

Adegoke said that Cross River had the potential in massive land and forest for cocoa farming, coupled with the youthful population cultivating the crop in the state.

Though the CFAN national president acknowledged the potentials, he, however, said that the state had to tap into them to succeed, as cocoa alone could run the state’s economy effectively.

“Enough of talking about cocoa estates established by the old Eastern Region. We need to start establishing new estates now.

“We want to see nothing less than 1,000 hectares of new cocoa estates established by the state.

READ ALSO:

“Enough of export of raw cocoa beans. We need to start adding value and coming up with cocoa wines, biscuits, sweets and soaps that we can consume and export.

“We cannot prosper by just exporting raw cocoa beans. It is, therefore, important for the state government to be deliberate in infrastructural development in cocoa farming communities,’’ he said.

Adegoke also stressed the need for extension services in the state through innovation.

He urged CFAN members to repay the loans they collected from government and also pay their annual dues to the association.

The CFAN national president disclosed that in 2024, the Third Cocoa Festival would be held in Calabar.

On his part, Gov. Bassey Otu, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, said that the state would do all within its powers to ensure that cocoa farmers got all the necessary inputs.

According to him, the state has been shortchanged for so long because it produces cocoa but doesn’t get the necessary recognition.

“Others come to the state to buy their cocoa but at the end, it is not counted for Cross River as the producing state.

“Going forward, Cross River will produce, sell and export, because we have the capacity and the farmers will get maximum yields for their investments.

“I will have a private meeting with the newly-inaugurated chairman of CFAN in the state, where he will table the concerns of the farmers so we can chart a new course for the sector,” he said.

In his remarks, the new CFAN chairman, Dr Ramsey Tiku, said that cocoa remained the mainstay of the state’s econony.

According to him, if cocoa development is relegated, the state will be relegating the development of its people.

Tiku said that CFAN would partner with different groups and ministries to create an action plan that would add value to cocoa production in the state.

While thanking members of the association for the confidence reposed in him, he stressed the need for them to start looking at the regeneration of cocoa estates in the state and how to generate data for farmers.

C’River ‘ll become largest cocoa producer in Nigeria soon – CFAN President

(NAN)

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Auto

Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

Published

5 hours ago

on

October 23, 2024

By

Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

 

Ultimate winner of the forthcoming NAPE Charity Golf Tournament holding in Abuja will drive home Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, a superlative sport utility vehicle.

Carloha Nigeria, one of the major sponsors of the event, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.

The golf tournament is scheduled to take place at the prestigious IBB Golf & Country Club, Abuja, on October 26, 2024.

Carloha, franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, said its sponsorship of the tournament was part of its commitment to fostering sports development in the country.

Part of the statement read, “Chery is offering its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro as the ultimate prize for any player who achieves a hole-in-one during the tournament.

“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts and those passionate about positively impacting our community.”

It specifically noted that the highlight of the tournament would be the incredible hole-in-one winning feat attracting a prize of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro generously provided by Carloha without insurance premium coverage for the tournament.

This prize is said to underscore Chery’s support for sporting initiatives in Nigeria and reflect the brand’s passion for nurturing talent and promoting community engagement through sports.

Director of Sales for Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, said, “We are glad to be one of the major partners in the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament, and offering an amazing prize for the hole-in-one with Tiggo 8 Pro represents Chery’s dedication to supporting sports in Nigeria, as well as enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, making it an event to remember.

“More importantly, this gesture is one of the many ways Carloha is contributing to the underprivileged in our society by associating with the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.”

By participating in this prestigious event, Golfers have the chance to showcase their skills and also contribute to a worthy cause.

Proceeds from the tournament would go towards supporting local charities, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, the statement added.

The Tiggo 8 Pro, according to the firm, is renowned for its luxury, cutting-edge technology, stylish design, dynamic performance, and it perfectly embodies Chery’s dedication to excellence for on and off-road experience.

The Tiggo 8 Pro features an elegant, high-tech electronic gearshift system that provides effortless and precise control, enhancing safety performance and ease of operation, adeptly tailored for the diverse terrains of Nigeria.

It urged golfers and sports enthusiasts to get ready to swing for success at the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.

“We look forward to seeing you at the IBB Golf Country Club as we come together to make a difference, promote sports development in Nigeria, and celebrate the Chery brand,” it stated.

As part of its commitment to make vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all, Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometers, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 24/7 services and parts support nationwide.

This ensures that owners can enjoy their Tiggo 8 Pro with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.

Continue Reading

Auto

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

Published

9 hours ago

on

October 23, 2024

By

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) has acquired equipment to establish 40 new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations across the country, as part of efforts to expand CNG infrastructure.

This comes as the Federal Government aims to set up 100 CNG stations within six months.

Oluwagbemi Michael, Director of the Presidential CNG Initiative, revealed the plans during an event in Ogun State.

He noted that 12 CNG stations were set up in the past year, six in Abuja and six in Lagos, with further expansion underway.

READ ALSO:

This move follows concerns over the limited availability of CNG stations, which has slowed the adoption of CNG as an alternative to petrol.

Michael highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, including a recent N122bn funding for private companies involved in CNG distribution.

He also mentioned the government’s plan to distribute one million CNG conversion kits to commercial drivers, which is expected to increase demand and attract more investors to the sector.

Additionally, existing petrol stations are being upgraded to include CNG refuelling points, with 40 such upgrades planned by the NNPC.

NNPC to establish 40 new CNG stations nationwide

Continue Reading

Business

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

Published

10 hours ago

on

October 23, 2024

By

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

MTN Nigeria has warned of a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address the rising operational costs that are threatening the profitability of the telecommunications sector.

During a tour of MTN’s facilities in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, MTN’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said the telecom sector has been facing significant financial losses and urgent measures are needed to reverse the trend.

Toriola pointed out that MTN, which currently has around 78 million subscribers, is operating on reserves accumulated over the past two decades, a situation he described as unsustainable.

READ ALSO:

The company’s operating costs, especially diesel prices needed to power its base transceiver stations, have surged, adding pressure to its financial performance, he added.

The CEO stressed the importance of returning the telecom industry to profitability, warning that without a tariff hike, MTN might be forced to shut down operations.

“There should be no delusion; if the tariff doesn’t go up, we will shut down,” he said.

He noted that MTN, once one of the largest corporate taxpayers in Nigeria, has seen a decline in its tax contributions due to the financial challenges the sector is facing.

MTN threatens to shut down services without tariff hike

Continue Reading

Trending